Last one for August, 2013

The community had a closing social at the ballpark.  A favored activity, the water slide down tarps on the southwestern hill, was in full operation.  The kids paused to eat, but kept at it till nearly dark.  There was a feeling of summer folding up for the year as grownups visited in the pavilion.  Food?  Of course there was food, hamburgers, hot dogs and the appropriate condiments, potato chips, punch and cookies.  Clare and Linda Christensen did most of the cooking, including the whole wheat cookies.

Jimmie and Anna Beth Olson spoke in the LDS services. They have spent the last eighteen months serving a mission, living in Hull, on the northeast coast of England. Their family gathered in great numbers:  Olson siblings, Stocks siblings, and Olson children and grandchildren.  That the welcome mat was rolled out was very evident. 

            Austin Corbett, son of Shane and Sherrie Corbett, was ordained to the office of deacon.

His grandparents,   Sherrie’s parents, Craig and Vicki  Golightly of Preston were here to witness the event.

Todd and Julie Kunz and their children spent a weekend with her parents, Karen and Layne Erickson.  They live in Idaho Falls, where Todd is an anchorman for KIDKTV.

Another new family has moved into Mink Creek.  Thomas and Donna Nichols are living at the point of the upper intersection with Highway 36.  The home belongs to Lynn and Cathy Mason, who now live in Wellsville, UT.  The Nicols family has lived in Franklin previously.

It will be nice having them here, closer to their daughter, Shoni Henderson, and her family.

A group of men took on the towering Tetons in Wyoming recently.  It was a short, exhausting trip, hiking all one night and into the next day., no easy jaunt.  Paul McKay was the only one from Mink Creek, his companions were Tom Lucia, Tony Hale and Lewis Palmer.

            The Easter Idaho State Fair gets started over Labor Day weekend in Blackfoot.  Anyone in our community who qualified to show at the fair have been busy getting things ready, including themselves if their presence is required.  One more little bit of excitement.

             We have had a heavy rain storm this past week, sufficient to put the last crop of hay harvest on hold, at whatever stage it might have been when the moisture fell.  It has been so very dry, it was all welcome.

            Families have reported that the last two of Mink Creek Ward’s LDS missionaries have reached their field of labor.  Elder Spencer Wilde is in Williston, ND and Sister Tiffany Longhurst has barely gotten to California, the Anaheim area, and is awaiting her assignment.

August 21, 2013

Amateur astronomers, friends of Connie Erickson, gathered for a late night of viewing the August meteor showers from the lawn of her parents, Karen and Layne Erickson.  Since the group lives in Logan they needed the absence of city lights, a spot filled with starry skies.

Clifford and LaDawn Jensen had a round of family visits.  Jeremy and Heidi Jensen, plus their  four children come over from McCammon, ID. Kristina Gore and her three youngsters flew in from Arlington, VA and were able to spend some good vacation time in Mink Creek

            Karen and Mark Arnout  have had children visiting off and on over the summer.  Most recently Travis and Amber Armout and their little family came from Utah.

            Glen and Betty Jo Jepsen’s home has been filled with fun when their daughter Jill and her children arrived from Canada.  At this home there are always games and activities to enjoy.

A new family has moved into the home formerly occupied by John and Sandi Cude.

Patty Barnett and her two sons came up from Logan two months ago.  Austin is eleven, Brent is eight.  Welcome to Mink Creek!

A drift down the Colorado River sound like a fun idea!  Steve and Terrie Mainini  signed up for the Colorado Wooden Boat Float, took their boat (built by Steve a few years ago), and headed for Kremmling, CO.  Their guide gave good instructions and it turned out to be an adventure they want to repeat.  This time they floated the upper half of the Colorado River, some drifting, some rapids and narrows involved.  The area is just below the Rocky Mountain National Park.

A dust storm moved through our little village, right up the main highway.  This was no average whirlwind, it broke off tree limbs, sent garbage cans rolling and somehow extracted a sizey section of dead wood from a large, living tree in the ballpark and pulled it out, leaving the tree intact. 

Jim and Debbie Harrison were up from their place in St. George.  Our hot temperatures in Mink Creek are cooler temperatures than southern Utah.

We have had our share of wrecks on Highway 36 lately.  In the last ten days the whine of the sirens has put us all on alert.  Each time there has been at least three responds:  the police, the ambulance, and the fire truck. Generally there is a phone call prior to these to bring them here to assist. There has been no local reports with more details, but just hearing the sirens always reminds me that having serious problems, of one sort or another,  is a frequent occurrence.

The County Fair is all wrapped up.  There were several different projects underway from Mink Creek with the youth.  We had a sheep club, others with horses, some sewing, some cooking.  I noticed some art and quilt exhibits from the more mature participants.  Maybe I missed some, but it always is a pleasure to see the community’s involvement in this annual event.

August 14, 2013

The month of August is upon us, along with grain harvests, fair time and school.  There are lots of preparations for all of these things going on in our community.  That feeling of any relaxation that goes with summer months is rapidly dissipating since the flip of the calendar to this month.

Jimmie and Anna Beth Olson have recently returned from serving eighteen months in the England, Leeds, Mission.   They have been residing in the city of Hull near the North Sea.  Son Mike Olson picked them up at the SLC Airport.  Their daughter Peggy and Jon Flinders and three little, blond, Olson granddaughters came down from Salmon, ID, to help warm up the empty Olson home on Station Creek.

The Mink Creek Ward received a new member when Jonathan Seamons, son of Jennifer and Jeff Seamons was baptized.   Andy McKay, son of Paul and Terrie McKay, was ordained to the office of teacher.  Andy also receiver his Duty to God award from his service as a deacon.

Mike and Mary Ann Jepsen have been submerged in family.  Annie and Steve Earl and their family spent some vacation time away from their home in San Jose, CA.  Joe and Kate Jepsen made a trip up from Utah, getting in a few free moments before the school year begins.

Two family reunions were wrapped into one when Tiffany Longhurst spoke in the LDS Ward.  The Longhurst group moved their reunion date and the Craythorn Family from the Burley area, who had planned to be at Island Park, gathered for the same purpose, both at the Erickson pond and park in Mink Creek.

The Relief Society held a closing social for the summer at our community ballpark.  The members, with husbands, enjoyed a meal of Navajo tacos with all the trimmings, slices of watermelon and punch.  Dessert was a scone dripping in butter and honey.  Entertainment was provided by participation in a variety of Minute to Win-It efforts.

 Wild fires are raging in the mountains to the south of us.  These particular ones are across our state border in Utah and some have been going on for days.  Just one year ago we had fires popping up much closer and we understand the tension that accompanies the situation. During a dry year, such as now, that concern is constant.

 Last summer a considerable size of acreage between Mink Creek and Preston went up in flames.  The view afterwards  was stark blackened hills, skeletons of brush and trees pointing skyward, scattered here and there.   It has been rewarding to see the greening return this spring.  Even some of those stark tree forms have sprouted green leaves in the tops, above the reach of the flames, showing how hard it can be to quench life.  It has been a message of encouragement for me.

August 7, 2013

Howard and Colleen Hawkes of Kaysville, UT, Dean Pearson  and his family from Cedar City, UT, some of Carmen Pearson’s family, and other members of the Perry Pearson family have been up to the Pearson farm.  145  relatives were at this gathering.  Four came from Sweden!  Through genealogy pursuits, the Pearsons are discovering more and more family members still living in Sweden.  Due to recent surgery, Rebecca, Dean’s wife, was unable to attend.  Some took the opportunity to dine at Deer Cliff Inn, showing more of our countryside to the Swedish group.

Hestin Greene, son of Chad and Dawnell Greene, married Tristin Thomas from Preston on July 26^th.   Following the ceremony there was a reception at the Mink Creek LDS Ward.

Haylee Hatch, daughter of Sam and Katie Hatch was recognized in the LDS Ward, entering the Laurel class in the Young Women organization.

Bob and Claudia Erickson have had family making summer visits.  Jay and Kristin Collins and children drove down from Lakeview, OR.   Carla Nielsen and boys of American Fork, UT, joined in the week of fun.  Lots of swimming at the farm pond, shopping, the rodeo and cookouts galore.

Lana and Ivan McCracken had a dream come true.  They are antique enthusiasts and were able to be participants in the Antique Road Show television program when it was in Boise.  They met the master of ceremonies, Mark Walberg, and were able to have several item appraised: a painting, a Navaho rug, a stein and a bracelet.  It was such fun for them!  The broadcast date will be in January, 2014.

Mink Creek Ward has two young people leaving shortly to serve LDS missions.  Both spoke recently in a Sunday meeting.  Tiffany Longhurst, daughter of Sheldon and Candy Longhurst will be serving in the California, Anaheim, Mission.  Spencer Wilde, son of David and Judy Wilde, will be serving in the South Dakota, Rapid City, Mission.  By mid-August both will be at the MTC in Provo, UT.   

Daniel and Heather Baird and family came from Rexburg, ID to spend a few days with his mother, Lana and Ivan McCracken.

Weather is still hot and dry and it makes for long days in field work for those who have farms.  Barley fields are ready for the combine, the wheat crop still with a little time to go.  The yellow transparent apples are starting to fall from the tree.  Must be apple jelly time in Mink Creek.

We are happy to have Robbie Greene home from the hospital following his injuries in a car accident a couple of weeks ago.  From the description of the rollover it is probably good that he doesn’t remember anything about it.  For now he is in rest and recuperation.

Last day of July, 2013

The families of Louis and Eleanor Engel, visit Mink Creek often.  During summer grandchildren of the Engels come in waves.  The first wave was that of Kasey and Julie Haws and family from Redlands, CA.  Second wave was that of Loren and Ken Nash of Solvang, CA.and Andrea and Jim Harper of Merino Valley.  The Engel’s daughter, Marion and her husband Karl Haws, spend as much time as possible in what is now considered the “Haws House.”

Bobbi  Garr celebrated her birthday with about twenty of family and friends around her.  George and Bobbi had three children with them on this day, Diane, John and David.   The group tubed down Bear River, toasting Bobbi’s good health as they went.

Alex  and Donna Huxford and family have spent some summer time in Mink Creek.   Now living in Cedar City, UT, Alex is the nephew of Richard Free and spent his teenage summers at the Free ranch.

            Recently the Scout Troop with leader Paul McKay, canoed down Bear River, fairly close to home.  Now our Scouts had a fun trip to Alpine, WY.  Their goal was floating the Snake River with help from leaders Paul and Lin McKay.  Paul reported that when the boys had consumed all food taken with them for this adventure into the wilds, they were happy there was a Pizza Hut not too many miles away.  Water skills have been a goal  this summer.

The family of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons gathered for the ordination of two of their sons.  Benjamin Seamons, having turned 14, was ordained to the office of teacher.  Samuel Seamons, an older brother, was ordained a priest.  Both young men earned their Duty to God awards in their past quorums.

Lana and Ivan McCracken enjoyed visiting with McCracken relatives lately.  Peter and Margaret McCracken came down from their home in White Horse, Yukon, Canada, to attend the McCracken Family Reunion held in Burley. 

We got a thorough drenching on Sunday, a much needed one, unless the hay crop was lying mowed in the field.  It cleared the air, made everything bright, in feeling as well as sight.

Our night skies have been lovely lately.  Things cool off and the outdoors is most welcoming.  The stars are great even on a night of minimal moonlight.  I so love living where I can see the stars.

Summer season is progressing.  I heard someone commenting that they had picked their first 3 cherry tomatoes of the year.  I got a handful of peas off my little container garden.  Raspberry jam is being manufactured regularly. 

            The rodeo is over, that means summer is starting to close down for most of us in one way or another.  The Fair isn’t far off and school starts on the heels of that endeavor.

Pioneer Day, 2013, for this area of the country

Mink Creek’s July 4^th was a hit with a large crowd at the Ballpark.  Camille and Jeff Knudson did a great job organizing the day.  The Flag ceremony began the day officially, with Mink Creek’s veterans, under the direction of Glen Jepsen, retired US Air Force, furling the colors. Kurt Iverson spoke about his feelings when he visited Pearl Harbor.  Linda Christensen, a newcomer to Mink Creek, reminded us of those who chose to settle this valley.  Dancers from the Strictly Ballroom group entertained.

Many hands were involved in food preparations.  The meats, pork loin, bbq chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs were cooked by Clare and Royce Christensen, Richard Free, Ben Keller, Kent Beardall, and William Wolfley.  The Wolfley family shucked the many ears of corn.  there were around 400 attending, so that is lots of shucking!!   Relief Society officers and spouses took over preparing fresh fruit and rolls.  Dutch-oven  potatoes were supervised by Stuart Ostler who kept a crew busing peeling ingredients:  Ramona and Jerry Hatchett, Cllifford and LaDawn Jensen, Wynn Costley and anyone else who got close to the production line.

            The dessert contest was such a success last year that it was repeated this 4^th.  Tammy Beardall was the overseer.  Awards were:  Best Looking, a raspberry layer cake created by Macy, McKenna and Clair Jepsen and Brook Corbett; Best Tasting, a Blueberry sheet cake, produced by Clay and Tara Jepsen; Best Overall was a Firecracker cake made by Lauryn Hawkes; Terry Stromberg got Honorable Mention with a luscious carrot cake. 

            Laural and Jody Janke and children took advantage of the holiday to make a lengthy trip to Jody’s family in Illinois, the area around Ottawa.  They made a visit to an aquarium in Chicago, did lots of camping, and had fun with Jody’s brother, sister and extended family.

            Grandchildren of Wynn and Cecelie Costley have been at their home in abundance, enjoying  “Cousins Camp.”  Hannah and Spencer Singleton, coming from Arkansas for this event, turned into assistant  camp directors. 

            The community has had several summer sports nights, plus refreshments of hot dogs and fixins’.  The ball diamond is usually in use as well as the horseshoe area.  The final night will be tonight, Happy July 24th!  Not far into August our residents are all invited for a windup event on the shores of Bear Lake,  signaling that it is time to gear up for the county fair and school to follow.  Summer visitors will also begin to decrease.

            In the meantime, raspberries are starting to be consumed, in fresh form or as jam.  The peas are in the pod, picking and shelling required.

July 17, 2013

Girls camp, this year Mink Creek leaders chose a spot just north of Soda Springs.

To get to know each other better each girl was given a “secret sister’ to discover and treat in special ways.  Evenings were a bit chilly and they were glad to have blankets to wrap in as they sat around the campfire.  For activities they hiked, had a scavenger hunt, learned new songs, sang old songs, played games, were both silly and serious.  Some suffered from a little homesickness.  The theme centered around acceptance, that all people are children on God.  Laurel Wilde was the Camp Director, helped by Lacey Christensen, Wendy Westerberg, Karen Arnout, Kristi Hall, Macy Jepsen, and Mary Norris.

TJ Biggs was ordained to the office of elder in the LDS Ward.  He is the son of Dawnya and Cass Biggs of Malta, ID, the grandson of Cathy and Scott Seamons of Mink Creek.

Norman and Viola Larsen’s family held their first reunion in 15 years.  The location was Mink Creek Ballpark.  The oldest sibling of the family, Doran and Frances Barlow, came up from Ogden.  His family was from the St. George area.  Blaine and Connie Larsen were unable to attend, but their children came from far away, Washington state and Atlanta, GA.  There were representatives from all the children of the original family.  Raylo and Bonnie Larsen have both passed away but their son Craig Larsen, living in Mink Creek, was responsible for arrangements. Hours were spent visiting and getting to know each other again.  Some visited an old logging operation where Doran had worked.  Some participated in a 4-wheel ride.  It was a successful reunion and the Larsens are planning another reunion in two years.

Claudine and LaMar McKague and children of Vancouver, WA, spent a week with family, enjoying a break from city life. She is the daughter of Bob and Claudia Erickson. There was a trip to Lava Hot Springs, a cookout or two, swimming in the farm pond, just being a bit more relaxed overall. The cousins, children of Laural and Jody Janke of Mink Creek were delighted to have a week of constant playmates.

It is motorcycle season on our main road, Highway 36.  Whether it is a single bike or many the road if full of them, going up the canyon, coming down.  It is fun to wonder where they came from and where they are going.  Jackson Hole, WY, attracts many.  Some are just going around the Utah-Idaho loop of the corners of the states.

Lately our days have been dry and hot.  We are needing moisture, and only get a few sprinkles when the forecast says 20-30% thunderstorms likely.  As in the early days of the community, our water sources are still holding up, a reason the early settlers chose this lovely little valley. Gardens are looking good; the raspberries just starting to come on, peas are in the pods. The hum of bees is outdoor music, and awareness. With the heat my spinach is ok, but the lettuce is a bit on the wilted side.